Lesson 3 - Introducing the Backhand Shot
Shot Technique & Strategy
•Year 5
•Badminton
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use different shots to outwit our opponents in badminton?
Learning Objectives
- Students will understand when and where to play the backhand shot
- Students will develop correct backhand technique with control and accuracy
- Students will apply backhand shots tactically to win points in game situations
Key Outcomes
- All students can attempt a backhand shot with basic technique
- Most students can play backhand shots with increasing accuracy over the net
- Some students can use backhand shots tactically to hit into space and win points
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket strings are intact and grips are secure
Alternative: Short tennis rackets for beginners
Use plastic shuttles for beginners, feather for advanced
Alternative: Foam shuttles for outdoor use
Mark out mini courts 6m x 3m approximately
Alternative: Chalk lines or tape
Three equal zones marked on each court side
Alternative: Coloured hoops or chalk zones
Key Vocabulary
A shot played with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot
Balanced stance with racket up, ready to move in any direction
An underarm throw to set up a shot for practice
Returning to ready position after playing a shot
Deliberately aiming shots to specific areas of the court
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic racket grip and ready position
- Underarm feeding technique
- Understanding of court boundaries and net play
Current Skills
- Backhand grip and stance
- Backhand shot execution
- Tactical placement using backhand
Next Steps
- Combining forehand and backhand in rallies
- Advanced backhand variations (clear, drop, drive)
- Competitive game application
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Backhand grip requires thumb position change from forehand grip
- Body must turn side-on for effective backhand shots
- Racket preparation behind body is essential for power generation
- Follow-through across body ensures accuracy and control
- Recovery to ready position maintains court coverage
- Shot placement is more important than power for winning points
- Quality feeding in pairs practice determines partner success
Common Misconceptions
- Students thinking backhand is just a reverse forehand - explain the grip and body position differences
- Believing power is most important - emphasise placement and control over force
- Assuming backhand is only used on backhand side - show how movement can create options
- Thinking technique doesn't matter in games - link good technique to successful outcomes
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts with regular changes, clear boundaries and expectations, immediate positive feedback for focus
dyspraxia
- Larger shuttlecocks for easier contact, simplified technique breakdown, extra practice time and repetition
autism spectrum
- Clear routine establishment, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet zones available for breaks if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured shuttlecocks and larger court markings, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for court navigation
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instruction cards available, use of hand signals for coaching points
physical disability
- Seated badminton adaptations available, shorter/lighter rackets, modified court sizes, alternative scoring systems
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Scoring systems, zone numbering, angle calculations for shot direction
Science
Forces and motion in racket sports, trajectory and momentum of shuttlecock
Geography
Court mapping, spatial awareness, directional language (left/right, forwards/backwards)
PSHE
Partnership cooperation, resilience when learning difficult skills, respect for opponents
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position at court edge for clear view of all students, move between pairs during practice phases
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip changes, body positioning, and shot accuracy development
Intervention Points
Step in when technique is unsafe, partnerships aren't working, or frustration levels rise
Demonstration Notes
Use large, slow movements for technique demo, emphasise grip change clearly, show common mistakes to avoid
Verbal Cues
- •'Grip change first!'
- •'Turn your body!'
- •'Swing across your body!'
- •'Back of hand leads!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Sports hall or large classroom, minimum 15m x 20m for multiple mini courts
Surface Check
Non-slip, even surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all racket strings are intact and grips secure
- •Ensure net posts are stable and nets at correct height
- •Zone markers must be flat to prevent tripping
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racket collisions during swing movements
- •Slips from shuttlecocks on floor
- •Eye injuries from fast shuttlecock movement
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established between courts
- •Adequate spacing during shadow practice and skill drills
- •Controlled feeding speeds throughout lesson
- •Regular equipment checks and shuttlecock collection
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all courts during games
- •Move between pairs during skill practice for individual coaching
- •Monitor competitive intensity during mini-matches
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide first aid as needed, contact school medical support if required